The Nigerian government has reacted to reports of a thriving underground human organ trafficking going on in the Abuja area.
Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development on behalf of government assured that decisive action against criminal activities in health practices is being undertaken following the exposure of an illicit kidney trade in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, reported by an undercover journalist with a major news media on Sunday.
The investigative report suggested the black-market price for a kidney was going for N1 Million ( one million naira) or about $870. The report revealed a complex network of agents strategically placed in satellite communities around the FCT who target and entice economically disadvantaged young Nigerians to sell their kidneys.
Expressing his disgust via his X account, Prof. Pate condemned criminal activities and emphasized that such practices were prohibited by the National Health Act (2014) sections 51-56. He promised the government was poised to take stricter enforcement of legal and regulatory guidelines against criminal elements.
Drawing parallels to other societal crimes, Pate posted “This is similar in so many ways to many other acts of criminality in society.”
He said the recent inauguration of the Tertiary Hospitals Care Standards Committee in the ministry was an indication of the government’s commitment to improving regulations in addition to new zeal to enforce standards for medical professionals and practice in Nigeria by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN.
“There is a sound policy and legal framework that enables regulation of health practice in Nigeria, including medically necessary transplantation”, he assured.
Please Like 👍, Comment, Share & Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
